The U.S. Climate Change Science Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have announced a 45-day public comment period for the second draft of a report on the effects of climate change. USDA is the lead agency preparing the report: "Synthesis and Assessment Product (SAP) 4.3: The Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture, Land Resources, Water Resources, and Biodiversity." This report will add to the information base about the effects of climate change. It addresses the effects of climate change on agriculture, land resources, water resources and biodiversity for the next 25 to 50 years.

The draft report has more than 1,000 references and 80 findings on the effects of climate change on agriculture in the United States. The report had 37 authors and has had expert peer review by 14 scientists. CCSP's strategic plan calls for the production of 21 Synthesis and Assessment Products that respond to high priority research, observation, and decision-support needs. The full draft report has been posted on the CCSP Web site at www.climatescience.gov , along with instructions for submitting comments, which are due by Oct. 26, 2007. Notice the start of the comment period will be published in the Sept. 11, 2007, Federal Register.

Thursday, September 6, 2007

Virginia Tech's agricultural research center near Fredericksbug is examining the feasibility of using switchgrass as a substitute or supplement to corn-produced ethanol. Unfortunately the technology for producing cellulosic ethanol has not been perfected. Converting the sugars from switchrass and other cellulose to alcohol is a harder process than using corn or sugarcane. Switchgrass is not eaten so it will not drive up the price of food the way corn-based ethanol appears to be doing. (Wash Post)

Education is a fundamental part of achieving the American dream, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) help ensure that every student has the opportunity to pursue a quality education. During Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, we underscore our commitment to these distinguished institutions in their efforts to provide more Americans with the tools to realize their dreams.

The founding of many of our Historically Black Colleges and Universities over a century ago expanded the American education system and extended the opportunity of a higher education to some who had been wrongly denied access. Today, HBCUs throughout our Nation continue to be centers of quality education, advancing opportunity and inspiring individuals to meet the challenges of our time as responsible leaders.

My Administration has increased Federal support for HBCUs and remains committed to strengthening these colleges and universities. The HBCU Capital Financing Program has provided access to funds for infrastructure repairs, educational equipment, and construction of new facilities. The President's Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities works to help HBCUs develop new partnerships with the private sector and benefit from Federal programs to strengthen and advance faculty development and cooperative research.

We will continue to provide our strong support to HBCUs, so that every citizen can enjoy a future of hope and opportunity, and we salute these great institutions as theybuild on a foundation of continued success for every student.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 9 through September 15, 2007, as National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week. I call upon public officials, educators, librarians, and all the people of the United States to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities in respect and appreciation for the contributions these valuable institutions and their graduates have made to our country.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.

Monday, September 3, 2007

AAEA President Norris McDonald is quoted on environmental justice in The New York Times Magazine (9-2-07) in an article entitled, "Not in Whose Backyard?"The article is written by Amanda Griscom Little, contributor to Outside magazine and Grist.org. She is writing a book about energy in the United States.

Saturday, September 1, 2007

Today is my last day at Cherokee Nation. Next month I will be starting an assignment at EPA Region 6. I want to say thank you to those I have worked with in the past. I will be at the Office of Environmental Justice and Tribal Affairs; I hope our paths will cross again.

EJ Conference Contact

Statement of Purpose

Mission and goals of conferences: The EJ conferences bring together individuals interested in environmental justice from diverse groups at this noteworthy juncture in the history of environmental justice, through a process of dialogue and learning from each other. The conference seeks to bring together federal employees, academics, business and industry, non-profit organizations, faith-based organizations, local community activists and others to participate in dialog on achieving equality of environmental protection. The conference will serve as an academic legal conference to advance scholarship regarding environmental justice.

Disclaimer

The views expressed on this blog are strictly those of the moderator and commenters. Nothing contained on this blog represents the views or official positions of the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Interior, Howard University, National Small Town Alliance, or any of the other cosponsors or coordinator of the conference.

Sensitivity Statement

"Because of the chemical sensivity of many people, we are encouraging attendees not to wear scented toiletry items."